Update with further details – Health Minister Chris Fearne and Superintendent of Public Health Prof Charmain Gauci, in a joint press conference today have announced the lifting further Covid-19 restrictions, some also related to quarantine.
The Minister said that this will now allow the country and the public to move into a new period of normality, the following restrictions start being relaxed as from the 2nd of May.
It will no longer mandatory to wear masks, apart from when on flights to and from Malta, in hospitals, health clinics, or homes for the elderly. However it is recommended to wear a mask in enclosed places such as on public transport..
Free Covid19 testing will continue at centres.
Restrictive measures related to organised events will also be removed, including parties and weddings.
Isolation for 7-days only for those who test positive – vaccinated or not. A rapid test must be made after 7-days, if negative, then isolation is complete. If positive, then isolation must continue for further 3-days.
People in same residence do not have to self-isolate, recommendation is for rapid test to be taken 3-days after positive case was first notified, or if they experience symptoms themselves.
Primary contacts of a positive case do not need to self-isolate.
Passenger locator forms will not be required for incoming travellers to the Maltese Islands from a red-zone country.
Regarding the vaccination programme, Chris Fearne explained that by the 2nd of May, all seniors over the age of 80 will have received an appointment for the 4th vaccine.
Helplines 111 and 145 will be available to the public from Monday to Saturday between 7:00am and 6:00pm, and on Sundays and Public Holidays from 7:00am to 4:00pm.
Superintendent of Public Health Charmaine Gauci called for everyone to be responsible for their health, and for the elderly and immunosuppressed people to get vaccinated with the second dose of the Covid-19 booster.